Recent changes in the initiation liturgies: a comparative study

Abstract

In this thesis the author examines the recent rites of initiation within the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Church of England, and Methodist Churches. The object is two-fold: (l) to see whether there has been convergence in the recent liturgical practice and theological understanding of initiation; and (2)' to see the extent to which the rites of the present-day mark a deliberate return to the pool of symbolic actions and words that were current in the post-apostolic period (and maybe even earlier).From the witness of Scripture it is felt that no established practice was being set before us at that time, particularly as the primary role of Scripture is as a witness to Christ rather than as a manual of devotion. The establishing of normative procedures for initiation would seem to be a post-apostolic development which took distinctive eastern and western lines of development. The Orthodox Church continues to employ the ancient rites which extend back for over twelve hundred years, and its insistence on the unity of baptism, chrismation and eucharist in theological thought and administration is characteristic. The other denominations express in their recent rites the desire to return to an archetypal service, but at the same time wishing to maintain the validity of a fragmented initiation practice. The Church of England, .and Methodism which grew from it, show increasing use of ceremonial. Most of this had been removed from the Church of England's liturgy at the Reformation. Taking note of recent work by the World Council of Churches the author concludes that convergence in liturgy and theology, though incomplete, has taken place; and further, that faithful witness is borne to the practice and understanding of the early Church of the post-apostolic period. Some aspects may date from the New Testament times.